MR. DUNDAS WHITE (Dumbartonshire)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will consider the desirability of including in the Public Trustee Vote for the ensuing year not only those items of expenditure which are included in the present Supplementary Estimates, but also the estimated rental of the premises in Clement's Inn, the rates of contributions in lieu of rate3 in respect of these premises, and the various other items which would be debited to the Public Trustee Office if it were carried on as an independent business undertaking.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) The Estimate for the office of the Public Trustee for the ensuing financial year, as issued, contains a statement showing, in accordance with the usual practice, the provision made for the Department in respect of office accommodation (including rent, maintenance, furniture, and fuel and light), stationery, and printing. The rent paid for the premises includes rates, which are payable by the landlord. By Section 9 of the Public Trustee Act, 1906, the fees charged in respect of the duties of that officer are required to be arranged from time to time so as to cover the salaries and expenses incidental to the working of the Act. These expenses include the items referred to in the Question, as well as the Vote for the Public Trustee.